Roman Shield (RS)

ABSTRACT

A mechanically-operated vehicle that has an upright body-length bullet-resistant shield comprising bullet resistant glass that allows for enclosure of an operator on three sides and top, at least two wheels, a single hand-controlled apparatus that controls the vehicle, and the vehicle can fit through ADA compliant standard size single door and it can fit in a 3000-lb service elevator.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to a Roman Shield (RS), a tactical device used for moderate to high-risk building entries and searches. Particularly, the RS is a semi-enclosed tactical shield operated on at least two wheels or on a two wheeled vehicle which assists an operator, such as an officer or a soldier, in hostile environments while mitigating harm to personnel and enhancing/retaining offensive capabilities.

2. Background Art

The Roman Shield (RS) (™ pending), Roman Shield Cycle (RSC) (™ pending), Roman Shield Trike (RST) (™ pending), and Roman Shield Armored Vehicle (RSAV) (™ pending) are dedicated to Oakland Police Sergeant Ervin Romans and to our brothers and sisters whose lives were taken in the line of duty. In 2009, Sergeant Romans, a SWAT member, was conducting a high-risk building entry when he was killed by a lone assailant lying in wait inside a residence with a high-powered rifle. If Sergeant Romans had access to the RS inventions, the outcome may have been different. Sergeant Romans' valor and heroism will not be forgotten and we dedicate the Roman Shield inventions in his honor. The RS enhances law enforcement officers', military soldiers', and other first responders' safety during moderate to high risk tactical and/or life preserving/saving operations.

A dangerous aspect of an officer's job is to enter a building when it is occupied by armed individual(s). Often, after breaching a door, an officer is subject to physical and assaults from deadly weapons. Generally, an officer enters a room with minimal protection, wearing a tactical vest, and maybe utilizing a hand carried shield which places the officer in a tactical disadvantage because one arm is occupied, thus reducing his response to deadly threats. In addition, the hand carried tactical shield is heavy, uni-dimensional, and provides limited coverage.

Further, although other multi-role armored vehicles are available, they are inadequate to enter buildings, especially in residential or urban neighborhoods, without causing significant structural damages primarily due to their large, cumbersome, and generally destructive nature when they breach a building.

Thus, the RS inventions can mitigate injuries to law enforcement officers or soldiers during entry into buildings and through doorways, while retaining offensive capabilities.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

An embodiment of the Roman Shield inventions are armored vehicles comprising a shield capable of partially (RS) or fully enclosing (RSC, RST and RSAV) a person(s), and a vehicle, wherein the RST and RSAV vehicles have additional ballistic panels and are able to fit through Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) compliant standard doors or service elevators. All of the Roman Shield inventions incorporate bullet resistant glass and ballistic panels that meet or exceed Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) ratings that also meet U.S. military standards. Another embodiment allows passage through passenger or freight elevators.

The Roman Shield inventions comprise of motorized life preserving/saving tactical shields for use in moderate to high-risk building entries, searches, evacuations, and other moderate to high risk situations requiring enhanced protection. The Roman Shield inventions can also be used as high visibility deterrents to potential terrorist attacks, such as the 2013 Boston Marathon attacks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of the RS.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the RS.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the RS.

FIG. 4 shows a back view of the RS.

FIG. 5 shows atop view of the RS.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Further common elements for each of disclosures: RS, RSC, RST and RSAV could be credited to the other disclosures. Other applications for RSC, RST and RSAV filed concurrently by the applicants are incorporated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Roman Shield (RS) 26 is a mechanically-operated vehicle with at least one-sided, preferably three-sided (and top) bullet resistant tactical shield 6 that is designed to be operated by trained law enforcement and military personnel (therein referred as “Operator”) on foot during high-risk entries into a building or residence. The RS will allow the operator to maneuver the Roman Shield from a single hand control, and once the shield has been tactically positioned, allows the operator to retain both hands to utilize on board tools/weapons if a threat is encountered. Particularly, RS provides at least a one-wheeled platform, preferably a two-wheeled motorized platform, which transports an enclosed shield into hostile environments. The wheels are motorized and allow easier entry into buildings.

The RS supplements and enhances existing law enforcement tools, namely the hand-carried tactical shield. Currently, law enforcement personnel use a hand-carried tactical shield, which requires the officer to carry a twenty-five (25) pound (11.3 kg) tactical shield with one aim which places them at a tactical disadvantage if harm or deadly threats are encountered. In addition, the hand-carried tactical shield is uni-dimensional and armor is lightweight and susceptible to penetration by larger caliber bullets.

A mechanically-operated vehicle 26 that has an upright body-length bullet-resistant shield 6 comprising see-through bullet resistant glass that allows for enclosure of a person on three sides and top, at least one wheel, preferably two wheels 15, a single hand-controlled apparatus 8 that controls the vehicle, and the vehicle can fit through an ADA compliant standard size door, and fit through and maneuver in a 4000-lb (1814.3 kg) service elevator.

Another embodiment is the RS comprising a shield 6 capable of semi-enclosure of the operator, and a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is of a size to fit through ADA compliant standard doors and passenger elevators. The dimensions for an ADA compliant standard single door are 32″ (81.3 cm) wide×80″ (203.2 cm) tall. In terms of maneuverability within an ADA compliant building, the RS can make a U-turn around a pathway with width at least 42″ (106.7 cm) on the approaches and 48″ (121.9 cm) in the turn. A passenger elevator has a 2500-lb (1133.9 kg) capacity and has an inside clearance of 84″ (213.4 cm) wide×61″ (154.9 cm) deep with a 36″ (91.4 cm) width and 80″ (203.2 cm) height entrance. Another embodiment is of a size that fit through standard service elevators, which for a 4000-lb (1814.3 kg) DELAWARE (2210 Allen Drive, Salisbury, Md. 21801) Class A general freight loading elevator has an inside clearance of 68″ (172.7 cm)×89½″ (227.3 cm) with an entrance width of 68″ (172.7 cm), entrance height of 96″ (243.8 cm), and a depth of 120″ (304.8 cm).

A preferred embodiment discloses a vehicle with a shield that can enter an ADA compliant standard single door way entrance of 32″ (81.3 cm) wide×80″ (203.2 cm) tall. The RS allows operators to enter civilian areas with no or minimal damages to infrastructure. A preferred embodiment is that the RS can fit and maneuver in a 2500-lb (1133.9 kg) passenger elevator.

Another embodiment is that the RS can maneuver within an ADA compliant building. The RS is quickly deployable and can be used by trained operators to respond to mass shootings at shopping malls, school, universities, or businesses. The RS will be suitable to enter buildings or structures that are compliant to the ADA. Accordingly, the RS will have sufficient room to maneuver in life-saving operations inside the aforementioned buildings or complexes while mitigating harm to the operator. Moreover, the RS can be transported via a trailer pulled by a standard size vehicle. The RS will have sufficient dimension to allow and exit into and from ADA compliant standard elevators and doors. A preferred embodiment is that the vehicle is compliant to ADA standards for entry, maneuverability within, and withdrawal from buildings or other structures.

Another embodiment provides a transparent top enclosure made of the same see-through ballistic panels as the protective shield, which provide protection for the operator from threats above without hindering operator visibility.

An embodiment of the RS has a self-contained ventilation system 4 that utilizes independent oxygen. A preferred embodiment will have capacity of at least up to 3 hours. A preferred embodiment is a self-contained ventilation system 4. The self-contained ventilation system further comprises a gas mask.

The RS supplements and enhances existing law enforcement tools. The RS is an upright body-length semi-enclosed tactical shield made with industry standard bullet resistant glass 6 and is on at least one wheel 15, preferably two, which provide mobility while allowing instrumentation on the shield.

The RS will be equipped with a rechargeable electric motor 17 which is cost effective, has no emissions, powered by lithium or NiCad battery packs that hold charges for about six (6) hours or about twenty-four (24) miles of operation use, with a top speed of at least about 13-15 mph. The rechargeable electric motor allows field swappable power modules. The motor is quiet and can enter an area with minimum sound. The RS can recharge using wall outlets or outlets accessible from the mobile command center. The RS has at least about 5 inch (12.7 cm) ground clearance.

Another preferred embodiment is that the RS has at least one, preferably two, heavy duty wheels 15, that are easily adaptable for various terrains i.e. grass, rock, shrubbery, sand, ice, or snow.

An embodiment of the RS has full body length bullet resistant glass 6, similar to standard UL protection level rating 8, which provides semi-enclosed protection and enhances the officer's safety if ambushed from several directions. Thus after a successful entry into a building or residence, the RS will continue to enhance officer safety as it can be strategically situated inside a room during the operation to locate suspects and/or to serve as a tactical shield during the recovery of citizens or injured law enforcement personnel.

An embodiment of the RS has LED (light-emitting diode) lights 2, i.e. two (2) in front, two (2) on the right side and two (2) on the left side, installed at the top of the shield for entries made under low lighting or darkness.

An embodiment of the RS possesses police alarm lights, which are normally comprised of a solid red or solid blue light or red and blue strobe lights 18 (depending on the state) that identifies the vehicle as an emergency law enforcement vehicle.

An embodiment of the RS has additional auxiliary lights i.e. HID (high intensity discharge) lights 19, i.e. two (2) in front, two (2) on the right side and two (2) on the left sides, installed at the top of the shield for entries made under low lighting or darkness. In addition, the very bright HID lights can also temporarily confuse and disable potential assailant(s) who may be lying in wait.

Another embodiment discloses the RS can be equipped with night vision capability. A preferred embodiment is that the RS can be equipped with night vision viewers.

An embodiment of the RS also employs a flash bang feature 9 from the front of the shield to temporarily confuse or disable potential assailant(s) who may pose an immediate threat.

An embodiment of the RS also employs Taser gun feature 11 from the front of the shield to temporarily confuse or disable potential assailants who may pose an immediate threat. A preferred embodiment enhances offensive capabilities with a strategically placed port 11 where taser gun capabilities can be deployed.

An embodiment of the RS has one shotgun or rifle port 7 so the operator can engage with deadly force if the operator encounters a life threatening situation while operating the device. A preferred embodiment provides a firearm port 7 so that personnel can utilize deadly force while operating the vehicle.

An embodiment of the RS has a maneuverable robotic claw 10 that can be used to pick up items, pull items, open doors, and subdue suspects until they can be properly handcuffed or secured. A preferred embodiment is that the RS has a strategically placed maneuverable grasping robotic claw apparatus 10.

Another preferred embodiment of the RS is operated using an onboard biometric (e.g., thumb/iris) fingerprint reader attached to the operating controller 8. If the primary operator becomes injured or loses control while operating the RS, a security shut off feature will terminate power to the RS, preventing the assailant(s) from gaining control of the device. Backup operators can immediately resume operating the RS provided that their biometric data are also stored inside the reader. The biometrics data can quickly be updated so multiple operators' biometrics are programmed for use at any given time by an administrator. An onboard manual override keypad is also available so an administrator can operate the machine should the biometric reader fail. In addition to the biometric reader, additional security for activation of the RS may require entry of a PIN number and/or ignition key.

Another preferred embodiment is that the RS can be transported by a trailer pulled by a standard automobile. The RS can be transported by a trailer that is equipped with a standard ball hitch apparatus that can be attached and transported by a standard automobile with a standard ball hitch system.

Another preferred embodiment is that the RS possesses a siren 20. Another preferred embodiment is that the RS can be equipped with an audio enhancer 3 and digital recorder for video and/or audio 5. Another preferred embodiment is that the RS has reflective law enforcement or military logos 12 and reflective strips 14 so that potential violators and the general public recognize the RS as an official law enforcement/military vehicle.

As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present disclosure are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. It is accordingly intended that the claims shall cover all such modifications and applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or teaching of the present disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are described above. Other aspects, objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. 

1. A mechanically-operated vehicle comprising: an upright bullet-resistant shield comprising bullet-resistant glass that allows for partial enclosure of a person on at least one side; at least one wheel; an apparatus that can be operated by a single hand to controls the vehicle for movement; and wherein the vehicle can fit through standard size single door, wherein the door is 81.3 cm (32 inches) wide and 203.2 cm (80 inches) tall and wherein the vehicle can fit in a weighs less than 1814.3 kg (4000-lb) and can fit within an elevator having a dimension of 172.7 cm (68 inches) by 227.3 cm (89.5 inches).
 2. The vehicle of claim 1 comprising of only two wheels, and wherein the shield allows for partial enclosure on three sides and top; and the person can move behind the shield.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The vehicle of claim 1 weighs less than 1133.9 kg 2500-lb) and fits within an elevator having a dimension of 213.4 cm (84 inches) by 154.9 cm (61 inches).
 5. The vehicle of claim 1 comprises a transparent top made of bullet-resistant glass.
 6. The vehicle of claim 1 equipped with a rechargeable electric motor powered by lithium or NiCad battery packs that hold charges for at least about six (6) hours of operation use, with a top speed of at least about thirteen (13) mph.
 7. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising at least one wheel that is a heavy duty wheel.
 8. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising multiple light-emitting diode (LED) and high-intensity discharge (HID) auxiliary lights.
 9. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a self-contained ventilation system.
 10. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising an alarm light selected from the list consisting of a solid red light, a solid blue light, a red/blue strobe light, and a combination thereof.
 11. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a night-vision viewer.
 12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the night-vision viewer is an infra-red viewer.
 13. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a public address system, a digital recorder, a video recorder, and a siren.
 14. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a gun port, a flash bang turret, a robotic claw, and a taser gun battery.
 15. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a reflective logo and a reflective stripe.
 16. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a biometric reader attached to the apparatus, wherein when a permitted operator based on a match of the biometric data of the permitted operator with the stored biometric data in the reader loses contact with the biometric reader, a security shut-off feature will terminate power to the vehicle.
 17. The vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a PIN reader, wherein entry of a correct PIN is necessary to permit power to the vehicle.
 18. (canceled) 